Viva La Differenza: Historics to Auction two Italian Classics, Worlds Apart


1971 Fiat Gamine Vignale

1971 Fiat Gamine Vignale

2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale

2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale

 

If ever there was an emphatic illustration of the diversity that Historics Auctioneers offers to the classic car collector, it is reflected in a wildly-contrasting Italian duo consigned to its May sale.

The Super Car

The very mention of Ferrari tends to light up the auction room so it’s likely to be  incandescent when an intoxicating  2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale crosses Historics’ auction block on Saturday, 21st May at Ascot Racecourse, one of 180 varied classics on offer.

A right-hand drive, utterly unmarked example of this magnificent supercar comes to sale from a private UK collection, having covered just 3,792 miles since new.  Presented in Rosso Corsa with NART striping, it is accompanied by a comprehensive service history.  Nevertheless, not withstanding its impeccable documentation, faultless presentation and additional options, it is surely the spine-tingling driving experience of this Ferrari 458 swansong that really ticks the ownership boxes for this uncorrupted drivers’ car.

The 4,497cc, normally-aspirated midship V8 produces 597bhp at a wailing 9,000 rpm (equating to 95dB according to one road test when pedal to the metal). It enables the 0-60mph dash to be completed in a brief 2.8 seconds, with a blistering 210mph top speed,  conditions permitting. 

It’s this recipe that led Ferrari themselves to describe the 458 Speciale as the fastest, most advanced, most fun to drive, mid-engined V8 that they had ever built.  But if its niceties such a glovebox you’re looking for, you’ll be disappointed - a cautionary passenger knee protector is in its place.  The 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale is estimated at £295,000-£350,000. 

The ‘Noddy’ Car

Some two years after Fiat took a 50% stake in Ferrari, they manufactured the second of the Italian two-seater duo that Historics brings to sale on 21st May… namely a 1971 Fiat Gamine Vignale.

The Fiat Gamine, penned by Carrozzeria Alfredo Vignale of Turin, delivers stem-to-stern appeal and brio that more than compensates for its leisurely pace compared with that of the Ferrari 458 Speciale.  Indeed, its 21 bhp twin-cylinder urges it to a top speed of some 60mph, whilst time to enjoy the scenery is assured in the 60 seconds+ it takes to get there, dependent on headwind and hill of course.

Dubbed the ‘Noddy car’ and amplified here by the sale car’s wonderful yellow and red livery, there’s no denying the impish charm of the diminutive, 50+ year classic. Enormously collectible, this rare, original and cherished RHD example has covered just 31,000 miles in the hands of its one owner since being first registered over half a century ago. The 1971 Fiat Gamine Vignale is offered by Historics at No Reserve.